Foreign aid for storm relief awaited

Taiwan  Taiwan awaited desperately needed aid from the United States, China and other countries Sunday as villagers mourned the hundreds who were killed in the worst storm to strike the island in 50 years.

Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry said giant helicopters from the U.S. that can carry cranes and backhoes were expected to arrive in a few days to help rescue those that might still be trapped, and to help rebuild roads in villages devastated when Typhoon Morakot hit a week ago. The U.S. has also agreed to send other relief materials, it said in a statement, without elaborating.

Resettlement of the estimated 7,000 people whose homes were destroyed by mudslides and flooding could speed up after the first batch of prefabricated homes promised by rival China arrive Monday, the island’s disaster relief center said.

Displaced people have been staying at temporary shelters or with relatives.